The British Virgin Islands will proudly showcase its national pride at the Paris Olympic Games as Thad Lettsome and Adaejah Hodge serve as flag bearers during the opening ceremony.
This marks the first time the ceremony will take place outside a stadium, with a unique 3.7-mile parade along the Seine River in Paris, starting at 1:30 p.m. BVI time.
Lettsome and Hodge, both Olympic debutants, will be joined by fellow athletes Kyron McMaster and Rikkoi Brathwaite, as well as Chef de Mission Tahesia Harrigan-Scott. The BVI team will be among the many smaller National Olympic Committees (NOCs) parading on one of 100 boats, passing iconic landmarks like Notre Dame and the Louvre. The procession will culminate opposite the Trocadero, across from the Eiffel Tower, where the official protocols will be conducted, including the lighting of the Olympic cauldron.
Harrigan-Scott expressed pride in the team’s accomplishments, noting, “We are also looking forward to stepping out in style in the Opening Ceremony wear, which was specially created for us by Kristin Fraser of Trefle Design!” This sentiment underscores the significant effort and dedication the athletes have put into reaching this pinnacle of their careers.
The BVI’s participation extends beyond the ceremonial, with Lettsome competing in the ILCA 7 sailing races from August 1-6 in Marseille. Track and field events feature Brathwaite in the 100-meter rounds on August 3, Hodge in the 200-meter rounds on August 4, and McMaster in the 400-meter hurdles heats on August 5, all held at the Stade de France in Paris.
The Virgin Islands delegation includes BVIOC President Ephraim Penn, Secretary General Lloyd Black, sailing coach Chris Watters, assistant Tamsin Rand, national athletics coach Willis Todman, track coaches Gerald Phiri and Jean-Carlos, and Press Attaché Sofia Fay. The Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie de Castro will attend the Games from August 1 to 10.